Asia’s startup ecosystem is thriving, driven by a new generation of under-30 founders who are leveraging innovation to scale rapidly across sectors. According to Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 – 2024, this year’s honorees collectively represent startups that have raised over $5 billion in funding, with strong activity in fintech, healthtech, edtech, sustainability, and AI. Many of these entrepreneurs are building regionally dominant platforms and entering global markets, reshaping how Asia innovates and competes. Here are 10 young founders whose ventures are redefining the region’s economic future.
Image by Chew Hui Min
Aaron Tan |
- Age 29
- Singapore
Founder, Carro – Southeast Asia’s Largest Online Car Marketplace
Valuation
$1 billion (Unicorn Status, 2023)
Aaron launched Carro in 2015, disrupting the traditional used-car market with AI-powered pricing and financing solutions. In 2022, Carro raised $360 million in Series C funding, and it continues to dominate markets in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Image by ContactOut
Maya Kale |
- Age 29
- Singapore
Co-Founder, Moom Health – Personalized Women's Wellness
Funding Raised
S$1.2 million (Seed Round, 2022)
Motivated by her personal battle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Maya Kale co-founded Moom Health to offer natural, personalized solutions for women’s health. The brand provides tailored supplements addressing various wellness needs and has expanded its product line to tackle menstrual issues.
Image by Greenqueen.com
Melati Wijsen |
- Age 24
- Indonesia
Co-Founder, Bye Bye Plastic Bags – Youth-Led Environmental Movement
Impact
Active in 60 locations worldwide
Melati co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags at age 12, leading a youth-driven movement to eliminate plastic bags in Bali and beyond. The organization has grown into a global initiative, inspiring young people to take action against plastic pollution.
Image by The Hindu
Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash |
- Age 25
- India
Founder & CEO, Bhanzu – Revolutionizing Math Education
Global Reach
30,000+ students across 16 countries
Dubbed the “World’s Fastest Human Calculator,” Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is transforming math education through his edtech startup. The platform emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization, offering interactive sessions that have collectively delivered over 3 million teaching hours.
Image by Sneha Sivakumar LinkedIn
Sneha Sivakumar |
- Age 25
- Singapore
Co-Founder, Spur – AI-Powered Website Testing Platform
Global Reach
Serving clients across multiple countries
Sneha Sivakumar, a Yale University graduate from Singapore, co-founded Spur in 2024. The startup leverages AI agents to automate website testing, allowing users to create test cases in plain language. Spur’s innovative approach has attracted significant investment, including a $4.5 million seed round led by First Round Capital.
Image by PeoPlaid
Metawin Opas-iamkajorn |
- Age 26
- Thailand
Founder, Velence – Sustainable Fashion Brand
Brand Focus
Eco-friendly and minimalist designs
Thai actor and entrepreneur Metawin Opas-iamkajorn launched Velence to promote sustainable fashion. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly materials and minimalist aesthetics. Metawin’s influence extends beyond fashion, as he serves as a global ambassador for luxury brands and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2023.
Image by Vitable LinkedIn
Ilyas Anane |
- Age 29
- Australia
Co-Founder, Vitable – Personalized Vitamin Subscription Service
Customers
130,000+ across Asia-Pacific
Ilyas Anane co-founded Vitable to offer personalized vitamin packs based on individual health needs. Operating on a subscription model, Vitable has expanded its customer base across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Image by University of Nebraska System
Louise Mabulo
- Age 28
- Philippines
Founder, Lumina AI – Predictive Healthcare
Farmers Impacted
Over 200 in Camarines Sur
Filipino chef and environmentalist who founded The Cacao Project to help farmers recover after Typhoon Nock-ten. Her initiative promotes sustainable cacao farming, has restored water sources, and supports over 200 farmers.
Image by Primer
Chanel Contos |
- Age 26
- Australia
Founder, Teach Us Consent – Consent Education Advocacy
Government Grant
A$2.28 million (2023)
Chanel Contos initiated a movement to reform sex education in Australia by advocating for the inclusion of consent education in school curricula. Her efforts led to widespread policy changes and the establishment of Teach Us Consent, an NGO dedicated to this cause.
Image by Ritesh Agarwal
Ritesh Agarwal |
- Age 30
- India
Founder, OYO Rooms – Global Hospitality Chain
Valuation
$10 billion
Properties
1 million+ rooms globally Ritesh started OYO at 20, and by 30, turned it into one of Asia’s largest hospitality brands. His journey has inspired a wave of young Indian founders aiming for global scalability.
These ten founders aren’t just building companies—they’re reshaping industries and setting the tone for Asia’s next economic chapter. Expect many of these names to feature in global headlines in the years ahead.
